Governors List

Ex Officio

"After achieving five A levels at AAAAB grades I studied at the University of Nottingham graduating with a BSc(hons) in mathematics. I then undertook a PGCE(S) mathematics with ICT at St Mary’s, Twickenham and since then have taught in a range of schools including single sex, mixed, comprehensive, grammar, secular and religious. I have taught Mathematics to further maths level, RE GCSE, KS3 ICT, Physics A level and Critical Thinking AS level. I completed my Master’s degree in School Improvement in 2004 and my NPQH in 2007.

I have been Headteacher of The Piggott School: Wargrave Senior and The Piggott School: Charvil Primary since September 2014. I am married with two young children and so my hobbies include scooting, Pokemon, going to the park, feeding ducks, Disney, horse riding lessons, Hockey, violin lessons, gymnastics and occasionally sleeping."

Co-Opted by the Foundation Governors and the Diocese

"A former pupil of Wargrave Piggott Junior School I became a Parent Governor in order to help the good work of the school and put something back into the education system. I firmly believe in active participation and will work hard to deliver the duties of a school custodian respective of the responsibility that entails towards the pupils, parents and school staff.

I have a degree from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and worked in the business to business publishing and exhibitions world for most all of my working life. This has all been customer facing and involves finding ways to deliver routes to market for businesses of all types and sizes. To achieve success I have had to develop high performance teams, to deliver stretching objectives for businesses and profitability for customers.

In the 80's and 90's I dedicated a number of years to the Territorial Army where my most rewarding elements of service were in the education and training of recruits and potential officers. The amazing feeling of satisfaction and achievement from education gives me some insight into the motivation and dedication of the teaching profession.

I offer time, experience and a commitment to help parents and staff who are all committed to developing the school, as it strives towards inspiring and encouraging the highest achievement."

Dr. Alison Silby – Vice Chair of the Secondary School, Chair of the SALT committee and Admissions
Term of Appointment: 15th March 2016 - 14th March 2024 Outside Business Interest: None

"For the past 10 years, I have been involved with Initial Teacher Training programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

I am currently employed as an academic at the University of Reading where I am a lecturer in English and Education. A large part of my job includes the design and delivery of a challenging degree programme as well as the recruitment and professional development of trainee teachers. I also work in close partnership with a large number of schools in the area to ensure that the training provided, by both the University and schools, is outstanding.

I am particularly interested in curriculum development and all aspects of pedagogy related to literacy. My specific research interests include exploring the different ways in which pupils engage with the reading and writing challenges they meet in the classroom.

Prior to my involvement in higher education, my role as a teacher ranged across Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 where I was primarily responsible for leading English and promoting a creative curriculum combining English, Drama, Music and Art. I have a daughter in Year 7 at The Piggott School and am also an active member of my church. I am delighted to have been appointed as a governor and am looking forward to making a contribution to the school."

Foundation Governors Appointed by the Diocese

Reverend John Cook – SMSC

Term of appointment: 30th September 2019 – 29th September 2023

Outside business interest: None.

I was ordained in 1982 and have worked in different parts of the country. Prior to being appointed as the vicar of Wargrave with Knowl Hill 8 years ago I was based in central London. I am aware of the importance of a broad education and appreciative of the Christian foundation of Church Schools. In particular I hope I can contribute to the Christian ethos. Living in the local community means I have wide exposure to young people and their families.

Term of appointment: 15th July 2016- 14th July 2020Outside Business Interest: None

"I currently work as a welfare and benefit advisor for a Christian Charity. Previously I worked as a Social Worker/Care Manager for older people, and adults with disabilities.

I am actively involved in Greyfriars Church and am currently part of the leadership team for Scramblers (2-3 year-olds).

I belong to a book group and enjoy swimming and running.

I am the governor for safeguarding which I believe matches my skills and experience. I am also a parent at the school. I became a governor because I wanted to use my experience to give something back to the school. I also wanted to play a part in ensuring that the Christian values of the school are maintained and developed."

Mrs. Helen Craig - SMSC Committee

Term of appointment: 1st April 2012 – 31stMarch 2024Outside Business Interest: None

"From leaving school I worked for the NatWest bank for over 7 years, whilst there I was involved in general branch work and prior to leaving was part of a field based training team. I then spent the rest of my career in the Mobile Phone Industry mainly in sales and marketing where I had a variety of roles such as Sales Executive, Trainer, Corporate Customer Services Manager and finally Business Manager for o2. When my first child came along I made the conscious decision to give up work and be a stay at home mum. I have a son who is currently at The Piggott School and a daughter who left this year to attend college. Over the last 15 years although not in paid employment was very active within the children's Primary School, Vice Chair and then Chair of the PTA and was been involved in running a Parent & Toddler group at the church we attended at that time.

I was delighted to be given the opportunity to join the Governing Body at The Piggott School shortly after my daughter started and enjoy being able to make a contribution to the education not only of my own children but the whole school."

Mr Gary Hughes – Governor for Careers, Pay and SALT. Vice-Chair of the Primary School

Term of appointment: 30th June 2014 – 29th June 2022Outside Business Interest: None

"My wife Anne and I have lived in Charvil for over 20 years and have one daughter who attends Charvil Piggott Primary School. I serve on the Governing Body as a Foundation Governor and regularly attends St Andrews, Sonning.

For the last eight years I have been Practice Manager of a General Practice in Bracknell, Berkshire. Prior to this I spent over 20 years in the optical and veterinary sectors as business owner, director and manager and have an MBA, a degree in Purchasing & Supply, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Medical Education."

Mr Andrew Shapland– Chair of the Finance Committee

Term of appointment: 27th August 2014 – 26th August 2022Outside Business Interest: None

"I have been a Governor since 2014. I have 2 children at The Piggott, and became a Governor to contribute to the ongoing success of the School.

I work in Finance, and have little experience with education. I aim to contribute by bringing experience from the corporate sector which further diversifies the range of skills available to the Governing body.

I am a Foundation Governor, and attend Wycliffe Baptist Church in Reading.

In my spare time I enjoy sport, music and socialising."

Mrs Lucy Bowley– Special Educational Needsand Admissions Committee

Term of appointment: 16th March 2016 – 16th March 2024Outside Business Interest: None

"My background is retail, working with the John Lewis Partnership for many years. Following the birth of my daughter Emma , now 21, it became apparent that she had learning delays and so I became a full time Mum. My second daughter also has disabilities so I found myself championing their cause in a way I hadn't expected. Emma attended a school in Woodley with a resource unit and I became a governor there and eventually was Chair. I have helped to set up REACH Wokingham, the independent parents forum for children with additional needs, working closely with WBC, challenging them and consulting with parents. In addition I am also a founder of The Regatta for the Disabled which gives disabled people the opportunity to experience a day on and by the Thames. I care passionately about supporting children like mine through education and now that my son William, who has no additional needs, has started at The Piggott I would like to share that passion and support his education and those who are more vulnerable. I worship regularly at St Mary's in Twyford."

Mr Michael Simpson – Finance

Term of appointment: 23rd September 2016 -22nd September 2020

Outside business interest: None

I have lived in Wargrave for 14 years and am a new Governor through my involvement with St Mary’s Church. I have two sons, including one son who is currently in year 12.

I have run my own market research company for 16 years and before that, I worked for 10 years in various market roles with Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson, and was in the British Army for 4 years. I was also a governor of three schools in London during my service as a local government councillor in Wandsworth.

I look forward to serving as a governor at the Piggott, and hope that I can make a positive contribution with a combination of my Christian faith, together with my work and life experience.

Mrs Alison Smyly- Chair of the SMSC Committee

Term of appointment: 19th November 2018 -18th November 2022Outside business interest: None

I came to Reading for my first teaching post as a primary school teacher, working in Hampshire initially, then moving to South Oxfordshire and finally to a school in Maidenhead. Married with three children, our eldest is at Piggott and our other two children attend the local primary school. Having been very involved in a Reading town centre church in various roles including children’s ministry, young youth and running a parent and toddler group, we now attend and are actively involved in St Andrew's Church, Sonning and have been members of the congregation for two years. It is a privilege to be invited on to the Governing Body and I look forward to serving as a governor at the Piggott School.

Mr Christopher West - SMSC Committee

Term of appointment: 19th November 2018 -18th November 2022Outside business interest: None

I have been involved in Christian youth ministry for over 20 years and I have worked in both the statutory and faith sectors in that time. I have a degree in Youth & Community Work and Applied Theology with a JNC. I am married to my wife, Gem, and we have an amazing & funny 8 year old daughter. My hobbies include ping pong and football every week and my favourite time is spent up a mountain either with a snowboard strapped to my feet, or trekking with friends.

As a youth minister I am most passionate about seeing young people fulfil their God given potential and I love to do this through building positive relationships and giving them spaces to learn, grow, discover and ask questions without fear of being judged.

My hope, as a governor, for The Piggott CofE School is that, together, we will be able to keep growing the students in their faith, resilience, confidence & their understanding and appreciation of others.

Mr Matt Perowne - Finance Committee

Term of appointment: 14th December 2018 – 13th December 2022

Outside business interest: None

I am an equities fund manager at the Korean Sovereign Wealth Fund. I invest in European companies, and regularly meet their executive officers, discussing their finances and strategic initiatives to improve performance. I hope to use my knowledge here to effect as a Foundation Governor of this wonderful and impressive school.

I am married to Issy, who is a solicitor in London, and we met at Durham. We have three children, the eldest of which is five - hence am also skilled in changing nappies and ferrying them to parties. We regularly attend St. Mary's in Wargrave.

I started my working life as a Chartered Surveyor at Jones Lang LaSalle, before switching into Equities for the last ten years.

Mrs Nichola Stewart-Tennant - SMSC and disadvantaged and more and most able, gifted, and talented pupils

Term of appointment: 26th November 2019- 25th November 2023

Outside business interest: None.

My daughter has just started at Charvil Piggott and I am hoping over the years to add value and contribute towards the ongoing success of the school as a whole.

I have a BSc. in Biochemistry and Physiology as well as a PGCE in Primary Education. My career background was originally in IT sales and I worked in an IT security company as a manager of a consulting sales team and as a program manager for some of our consulting partners.

More recently I trained to be a teacher as I massively value education and have a huge drive to make sure that each child is doing as well as they can. In addition I have a special interest in the success (as well as wellbeing) of those from disadvantaged backgrounds or who have any additional needs.

I have taught in private and public schools as well as at Sunday school, mainly within the early years. I currently have a 5 year old and 2 year old and am fully focussed on being a stay at home mum with a hope to completing my Special Educational Needs Coordinator qualification over the next couple of years.

I enjoy dance classes, aerobics, running, reading and socialising.

Parent Governors appointed by the Parent Body

"I am a Chartered Accountant, having trained with Deloitte, and whilst I have mainly worked for commercial organisations over the years, since the start of 2015 I have been Director of Finance and Administration at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). The RAD is a not for profit organisation that sets standards for dance teaching worldwide. We count more than 1,000 students in our teacher training programmes and around a quarter of a million students are being examined on our syllabi.

I have a son at Charvil Piggott primary school, and when a vacancy came up as a parent school governor in early 2016, I therefore saw a chance to contribute both my financial and now ongoing educational experience, to hopefully give something back to a vital part of our community."

Marianne Newman – More and most-able, gifted and talented, disadvantaged pupils, designated looked after children governor and SALT Committee

Term of appointment: 22nd January 2018-21st January 2022

Outside business interest: Teacher at Polehampton Junior School

With a daughter in year 7, I was keen to get more involved in school life at the Piggott. I felt that my background in primary education might benefit the governing body and that I could learn a lot along the way too.

I graduated with a BA(Ed) from Durham University in 1997 and moved to London where I gained a wealth of experience teaching different age groups in a wide range of primary schools. We moved to Charvil and I took some time out of work when my children were young. I then returned to teaching in 2012, when I started working part-time at Polehampton Junior School.

I am looking forward to working with the other governors as well as the senior leadership team and headteacher. Following the recent Ofsted inspection, I would like to see how I can help maintain the excellent standards that the school has set and am motivated to ensure that both the senior school and Charvil Piggott Primary continue to improve.

When I’m not playing chauffeur to my active children, I enjoy running, reading and the odd 9 holes of mediocre golf

Mr James Bell - Facilities

Term of appointment: 1st February 2019 - 31st January 2023.

Outside Business Interest:

A coach of AFC Charvil, a Charvil Parish Councillor and has had a professional relationship with the Piggott School’s Auditors.

Community Governor Appointed by the members of the Trust

Mr Mark Cowieson - Chair of the Facilities Committee and Pay

Term of appointment: 26th November 2019-25th November 2023

Outside business interest: None.

Staff Governors appointed by the Staff of The Piggott School

"After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Marine Geography, I spent a few years in industry before deciding to pursue a career in teaching. I was lucky enough to complete my teacher training at the Piggott and, although there was no teaching position available at the end of my training period, I was delighted to return in 2015 as Head of Geography. Throughout my six years of teaching I have taken on various additional roles including Teaching and Learning Coach, Literacy Coordinator and Teaching Innovation Leader. As a physical geographer, I particularly enjoy the annual A-Level field trip to Slapton Ley and the incredible biennial trip to Iceland – there’s nothing quite like seeing geography in action! During my time at the Piggott I have yet to meet a member of staff who hasn’t been friendly and helpful and I often find myself indebted to those who go above and beyond to support me and the school. As such, I consider it an honour to represent such a wonderful faculty on the board of governors."

"I am in my 11th year of teaching English and media studies and have been the head of media studies and a teacher of English at The Piggott School for just over four years. Prior to entering the profession, I worked in desktop publishing, advertising and marketing. I completed my degree in English and Media at the University of Leeds and have lived and worked in my home country of the UK and in Australia.

I have one son who attends a different local school where he is in Year 11 and my husband is also a teacher.

I love my job and feel privileged to work at The Piggott School. I am an optimistic practitioner and I am always looking for ways to improve my own practice and to support teachers within my department to do the same.

I became a school governor because I believe I have the necessary interests and skills to make a difference to the strategic direction the school will take for the benefit if its students and staff."

Clerk to Governors

"I have been the Clerk to Governors since December 2013. I advise the Governing Body on all matters of law and procedure as well as dealing with all of the administration. I am a qualified solicitor and practiced law for over 11 years in London. I practiced mainly in litigation and housing law. I became Head of the Civil Litigation Department and a Director of the Law Practice I worked at, learning skills which are vital for the role as Clerk to Governors. I left the profession when I had my second child to become a stay at home mum.

My role as the Clerk allows me to utilise my skills whilst working flexibly around my family. I love being able to contribute to the success of such a great school."

For details of the Trustees, Committees and the Governing Body remit please see our executive Summary of the governor role on the "School Goverance" page.

Members of the Academy Trust

1: The Archdeacon of Berkshire – Post currently occupied by The Venerable Olivia Graham

2: The Bishop of Oxford - Post currently occupied by the Reverend Doctor Steven Croft

3: The Oxford Diocesan Board of Education

4. Mr Richard Thiele (appointed on 30th January 2018)

The initial members were all appointed on 24th June 2011.

The members have no relevant pecuniary or business interests.

Mrs Helen Craig was a member of the Academy Trust for the period 1st September 2013 until 26th September 2017. Mrs Craig had no relevant pecuniary or business interests.

For details of the members remit please see our articles of association on the "School Goverance" page.